What to do? New Garmin UHD2 with LVS34 or go with existing + LVS32 to save $$$?

[thill]

My Livescope was lost in a dumb accident, and I ended up filing an insurance claim. Allstate was great and paid full retail, minus my deductible. Now I have a decision to make. Three options come to mind:

1. LOW - If I can find a used LVS32, it will be less than budget, and I can put the extra towards fuel or other things.
2. EVEN - I can buy a new LVS32 on sale, plus a nice pole at about budget.
3. HIGH - To upgrade to an LVS34, I would have to also buy a UHD 93SV ($649 at TheGPSstore.com)
4. REALLY HIGH - Or move up to a UHD2 93SV ($1,199) Supposedly, a much nicer unit.

If I can get $400 for my 93SV+, the UHD upgrade will cost me about $200 over my insurance check. The UHD2 $700 more.

So here are the big questions:

Do you think the 93SV UHD2 is worth the extra cost over the regular UHD? It does have about double the pixel count.
Do you think the LVS34 combo is worth the extra cost? It has a little more clarity and range.


I've been watching videos and YouTube seems split. Some say the difference isn't that much, others swear it's huge, a night and day difference.

What do YOU think?

[SuperDave336]

Not my money but I’d choose option 4. If your gonna go, go big…..lol.

[Grainraiser]

I would go option 2 cause that's the way I roll.

[CrappiePappy]

I said go new & use the insurance $$ .... because : You might find a good, used 93sv, but it could be a "pig in a poke".

I have the Garmin 93sv Echomap UHD unit & a LVS32 tdx, and I'm still happy with it after all these years.

[BuckeyeCrappie]

I would use the insurance money and upgrade to what you want. IMHO

[Herewego]

Whatever you decide l would go new.
My older 93 unit still shows the fish.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[DWILL]

You have to make the choice and put out the greenbacks. Anytime I replace any type of electronics or computer equipment I go with the newest and best I can afford. The newer equipment will get updates and support longer. Just my opinion.

[happycaster58]

Buy once- cry once. I'd get the latest and greatest.

[keeferfish]

Go Big or Go Home!

It's easy spending someone else's money!

I'll PM you my address, you can send me some and I'll show you how easy I can!

[thill]

Some good thoughts here. The cost isn't the issue. I'm trying to figure out whether it's WORTH the cost.

In other words, will I see a big enough difference to justify upgrading at this time? Or should I hold off and wait until prices drop or the next generation comes out? I HATE buying something, only for them to come out with something way better a few months later.


My big questions for people who have upgraded are:

1. Do you think the LVS34 transducer is worth the extra cost? Do you feel it's $1k better than the 32?

2. Do you think the 93SV UHD2 is worth the extra cost over the regular UHD? Would you say, "Wow, UHD2 is SO much better! I can see stuff the UHD never picked up before!"

3. What do you think of the 106SV? It's only a little more expensive than the UHD2. Would that be a better step up than the 93SV?


Thanks for posting your thoughts. I'm listening to every reply.